We just returned from a stay at Disney's BoardWalk Inn, a 1940's Atlantic City-styled resort, featuring a boardwalk entertainment complex and lake.

In addition to all of the “extras” and conveniences you receive from staying within the park, the “magic” of Walt Disney World  does continue when you stay at one of the on-site properties. It was like taking a giant step back into time. My boys, sitting on a boardwalk bench eating a slice of pizza, were mesmerized by the traveling piano man, who rode by on his outfitted bicycle. As much as they loved the arcade at the ESPN Club, they enjoyed old-fashioned fun too, which also included old-style movie flip machines in the resort's hallways. It was entertaining every step of the way!

Even though I am the Family Travel Expert, I must confess I make mistakes, which is a good thing so you can learn from mine. The Magic Kingdom closed at 7:00 p.m. the Saturday night we visited. We did not have a dinner reservation. BIG MISTAKE. The boardwalk was busy and by the time we dropped our things in our room and headed out to find a restaurant, we were out of luck for a sit-down dinner with no wait. (It would have only been 30 minutes, but my kids were already getting crabby to the point where we didn't want to push their limits.)

Fortunately for us, the boardwalk had a pizza window and some quick eats (mozzarella sticks and hot dogs) easily available to grab on the go. But, I really wanted to dine in at Spoodles, the popular Mediterranean restaurant. I'll have to save that for our next trip.

Here's a tip: If you are “winging it” on your family vacation, try to fly with reservations. You'll be happier and no one will get too cranky when it's time for food and sleep. It's just one phone call to the concierge or restaurant. I should have made it before we headed to the park for the day. Otherwise, our stay went off without a hitch!

Some of BoardWalk Inn's other family-friendly amenities include:

Pools:
Splish and splash at Luna Park, take a ride down the 200-foot-long Keister Coaster water slide or enjoy a leisurely swim in a quiet pool.

Arcades:
Play a variety of video games at Side Show Games near Luna Park or at The Yard at the ESPN® Club, where you can also grab some souvenirs for the sports-minded family members.

Children's Playground:
Climb, slide and play to your heart's content on this 24-hour playground located near Luna Park Pool.

Watercraft Rentals:
Spend some time on the lake with a Pontoon Boat, Canopy Boat or Mercury WaterMouse™, or take a specialty cruise. (Extra fee)

Bike Rentals:
Rent a bike or surrey and ride along the boardwalk.

Fishing:
Hook a fun-filled fishing trip for the entire family. (Catch and release only)

Tennis:
Hit the clay courts for a set or two. Racquets and balls are available at no additional charge from Community Hall and the courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Community Hall:
Drop by for board games, arts and crafts and other amusements

So, to answer the question, “Is it worth it?” My answer is a definite “Yes!”

You can read more about all of the benefits for Walt Disney World Resort guests on their website, which highlights such benefits as extended hours, transportation, dining options and more. I think that you'll feel the same way I do. There are hotels in every price range and each has their own kid-friendly reasons for staying on site. I just love that the “party” doesn't end when the park closes.

We always promise our kids a “midnight swim.” (It's a good thing they don't wear a watch, but it sounds better than a "9 o'clock swim.") Check out our pictures of their nighttime fun at the BoardWalk Inn. They were swimming while fireworks were blasting overhead. They were definitely having their own “blast!”

Making family traditions is always fun on family vacations. Kids like consistency and predictability – even on vacation, so we try to have these evening swims wherever we travel throughout Florida. There is no better energy-zapper than cannonballs to completely exhaust them.  It's how we prevent them from jumping on the hotel bed!